Is India hesitant to buy Su-57 fighter jet from Russia? What has Vladimir Putin offered PM Modi?

Moscow: India and Russia are holding technical-level talks to explore the possibilities of jointly producing the Su-57 fighter jet. However, India has not yet made any official statement regarding the Su-57. Despite this, Russia is repeatedly offering the Su-57 jet to India.

Several top Russian officials are offering the Su-57 fighter jet to India. Their statements include promises of complete technology transfer, the fighter jet's source code, and the use of existing assembly units for domestic manufacturing. This raises the question: why is India still silent on the purchase of the Su-57 despite Russia's persistent offers?

What has Russia said about the Su-57?

Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has stated that technical discussions regarding the inclusion of the Su-57 in the Make in India initiative are in an advanced stage. He also said that this includes the possibility of licensed production of the Su-57 fighter jet at the existing facility that manufactures the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Badekha also added that several Indian companies and industries would be involved in the manufacturing of the Su-57, ensuring broad Indian participation. Speaking at the Wings India air show at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Vadim Badekha said, "Today, we are in the advanced stages of technical discussions on this contract. Given our experience, such contracts define the direction of our cooperation for many decades to come."

Is Russia ready to provide Su-57 technology and source code?

Earlier, Alexander Mikheev, CEO of Russia's state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport, had said that they had offered the Su-57E fighter jet to India. He also offered Russian assistance in the production of the Su-57E fighter jet in India and in the development of India's indigenous AMCA stealth fighter jet program. During this time, he also mentioned providing India with complete technology transfer and the source code for the Su-57. Meanwhile, an agreement has also been signed between India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation for the production of the Superjet-100 regional jet.

What is the Su-57?

The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia's first operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It was developed to replace Russia's older MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets. The Su-57 fighter jet is designed as a multirole platform, intended for air superiority, strike missions, suppression of enemy air defenses, and network-centric operations in challenging environments. The aircraft made its maiden flight in January 2010. The Su-57 was inducted into the Russian Air Force in 2020.  Despite this, Russia has produced the Su-57 in very limited numbers.

What are the doubts about the Su-57's stealth capabilities?

Russia designed the Su-57 more as a highly maneuverable fighter aircraft than a stealth one. The American F-22 and F-35 fighter jets are considered more stealthy than the Russian Su-57. The Su-57's airframe incorporates blended shaping, internal weapons bays, and extensive use of composite materials to reduce radar, infrared, and visual signatures. However, its engine nozzle design, panel alignment, and external sensor placement make it less stealthy. This allows the fighter jet to easily outperform its rivals in close-quarters combat.

What is the major challenge for the Su-57 engine?

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet is equipped with the Saturn AL-41F1 engine. This engine was used to meet immediate requirements. While powerful, it does not fully meet the fifth-generation benchmarks in terms of fuel efficiency, reduced infrared signature, and sustained supercruise capabilities. In this context, Russia is developing a new Izdeliye 30 engine for the Su-57, which boasts higher thrust, lower specific fuel consumption, and improved stealth characteristics. However, this engine is still undergoing testing, and it may be some time before it enters operational service.

What are the strengths of the Su-57?

Excellent maneuverability and high-energy performance

Long-range weapons capability

Designed for unmanned teaming

Cheaper than Western fifth-generation fighter jets

What are the weaknesses of the Su-57?

Low stealth

Weak engine

Low production rate

Difficult integration of non-Russian avionics and weapons

Where is the India-Russia Su-57 deal stalled?

India is cautious about Russia's offer of the Su-57 jet. India was previously involved in the development program of this fifth-generation fighter aircraft with Russia, but later withdrew due to several concerns. India is concerned about the cost, work share, access to core technology, and the maturity of the aircraft in the Su-57 deal. Therefore, before finalizing a deal with Russia for the Su-57, India wants to examine the tangible benefits to its indigenous aerospace ecosystem. India also wants to ensure that the Su-57 deal does not negatively impact its indigenous AMCA program. Thus, to maintain long-term self-reliance and strategic autonomy, India is taking its time with the Su-57 deal.

Why does India need a fifth-generation stealth aircraft?

India faces threats on two fronts. Pakistan and China are constantly creating difficulties for India. Currently, the Chinese Air Force operates the J-20 stealth fighter jet. In addition, China is also developing the J-35 fighter jet, which is also a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Pakistan has also expressed interest in purchasing the J-35 fighter jet from China. Pakistan is also considering Turkey's fifth-generation aircraft, the KAAN is also planning to buy them. Therefore, India urgently needs fifth-generation fighter aircraft to strengthen its air power.